Richard J. Reynolds, Sr. Obituary (1944

Richard J. Reynolds, a long-time resident of North Brunswick, NJ, who recently moved to Monroe, NJ, died on Saturday, September 12, 2020. He was 75. Rich was born on December 27, 1944 in Newark, NJ. At the age of 19, he joined the Armed Forces and served in the Army, overseas, stationed in Germany, as a clerk. He was awarded the U.S. Sharpshooter Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He married his love and life-long partner, Maria, in April 1979 and built a home in North Brunswick in 1980 where they spent 40 glorious years. Rich was one of three sons of his deceased parents, Frederick and Patricia Reynolds. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Maria Reynolds; children, Richard J. Reynolds, Jr., and daughter, Danielle, married to John Mulvey, and their son, and Rich's only grandson, Logan; brother, Robert Reynolds and his wife, Alisa; brother, Kevin Reynolds and his wife Diane; as well as numerous nephews, relatives and friends. Rich believed in the value of hard work. In his younger years, he earned a living as a tractor trailer driver and was a Teamster: Local 194. He also owned and operated a catering truck. Rich lived to ride and rode to live. He owned a Harley Davidson Softail and was an active participant in the HOG group of Edison, NJ. In 2008, he suffered a T-2 Spinal Cord injury from a motorcycle accident. He was paralyzed. But, Rich did not let his spinal cord injury slow him down. In fact, he maintained a positive attitude and kept himself active in a lot of interesting ways: archery, bowling, weightlifting, hand-cycling, surfing, sled-hockey, and even sky-diving! Rich was determined to continue to help support his family. He contributed around the house in many different ways. He procured a part-time position as a clerk for 20 years at the North Brunswick Public Works Department. He retired in 2019. Rich religiously attended mass every Sunday at Our Lady of Peace Church. He even joined the Knights of Columbus, often volunteering his time. You may have seen him at the local supermarket collecting donations for the Church. Rich participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for 10 years. He would actively train for each event and look forward to competing each summer. He earned an array of medals in weightlifting, archery, rifles, bowling, billiards, and slalom. We are proud of his achievements. One of Rich's infamous sayings was, "Just another day in paralyzed." September 12, 2020 will no longer be just another day. It is now marked the day that God called Rich home to Eternal Paradise. May he rest in peace. Family and friends may visit on Friday, September 18th from 4-7 PM at the Bronson & Guthlein Funeral Home located at 152 N Main Street Milltown, NJ 08850 . The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 19 th at 10:30am at Our Lady of Peace Church in North Brunswick. All are welcome to join. The family asks that masks be worn by all to protect one another. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homes For Veterans at 105 Highland Ave. Harrington Park, NJ 07640. Homes for Veterans is a 501 C non-profit charitable organization that modifies the homes of Military Families and Wounded Veterans. This is a way to give back - a small thank you - in return for their immense sacrifice and patriotism that has allowed our freedom in our great country. The Reynolds' family knows, first-hand, that every Veteran deserves to feel comfortable in their own home.